Spiritual Growth for Adults

There are many opportunities for spiritual growth and development at PUUC beyond Sunday morning worship. Scroll down to learn what is going on and how to get involved. 

UU Common Read Book Discussion 

On Repentance and Repair: Making Amends in an Unapologetic World

Coming in April 2024

Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg's book On Repentance and Repair: Making Amends in an Unapologetic World, will be the focus of a virtual discussion on April 30th.

Repentance isn’t a word UUs use very often, but the concepts of reconciliation, atonement, forgiveness and repair are important to us as individuals, a spiritual community, a society, a world. Ruttenberg's clear and insightful writing has the potential to make a profound contribution to one's thinking about how to make amends, whether in personal relationships, in communities or in larger social and political contexts.

In response to this book, which was chosen as the UUA Common Read for 2023-24, Rev. Lane preached on "Healing Harm" on March 17. Rev. Dr. David Robins preached on transformation, based on the tenets of Maimonides, a medieval philosopher who Ruttenberg draws on, on March 24. These sermons are available in the Members Section of our website. Rev Lane will preach on Forgiveness on April 28. These three sermons provide a foundation for us as we consider the ideas shared by Rabbi Ruttenberg. 

Watch for the Zoom link in the Cresset, or contact Dottie Bauer (dottiebauer@gmail.com) or Rev. Lane (lane.fisher@uupeterborough.org) if you are interested.
 

The Third Act: Conversations to Inform and Support our Later Years 

1st Thursday, 3 p.m., Stage

This group is open to UU participants and their friends who want to share and reflect on living in their “later years”. There are many aspects to cover on this topic, and each session will focus on a new one. Topics may include life transitions, change in self or partner health or mental health, role reversals, end of life concerns (e.g. legal necessities, burial options), support services, identity transformation, and more. Leadership will rotate, based on who may identify interest in a particular subject. 

The group meets on the first Thursday afternoon of the month at 3 p.m.; coffee, tea, and cookies will be available. If you have any questions or thoughts, please email Bev Spiro (beverlyspiro@gmail.com).
 

Sacred Circle Dance

Second Friday of the month in the Parish Hall, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm

PUUC will host participatory Sacred Circle Dance for members, friends, and the general public.  Beginners are more than welcome on any of the dates and no partner is necessary. Each dance will be patiently taught by Lucy van Leeuwen, who has been teaching Sacred Circle Dance (SCD) professionally for 20 years.

Please bring or wear comfortable shoes. Masks are optional, but most participants are willing to mask if someone prefers that. The program is free, though donations are appreciated and will benefit “End 68 Hours of Hunger.” Please arrive a few minutes early as dance instruction begins promptly; just enter through the back door parking lot and come up the stairs or take the elevator to the Parish Hall.

Please contact lucy@poetryofthedance.com with questions or to join the SCD email list.

Meditation group

Weekly on Tuesday evenings, 6-7 pm, Parish Hall

Every Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 7:00 the PUUC hosts a meditation hour open to all. 

Please enter through the back door by the lower parking lot. Come up the stairs, or take the elevator to the Parish Hall and remove your shoes before entering the hall. Please come a few minutes early so as not to disturb participants. The hour will start with a brief reading which will be followed by two 20-minute silent sitting meditations with brief walking meditation between. 

This is not a class, so some experience with meditation is necessary. Bring your own cushion, or use one of the available chairs, the floor is hard and cold! 

Contact Bryan at brysciguy@gmail.com for more information or to join the meditation email list.

Caregiver’s Support Group 

monthly 

Caregivers share concerns, stresses, tips, laughter, and support with one another in a safe, friendly, and non-judging environment. Contact Peggy Brown (peggy.brown252@gmail.com) for more information and to join the group.

UU & U

February & March 2024

This class provides an opportunity for new people to meet, create relationships, learn about UU and PUUC, and consider the rights and responsibilities of membership. This class is led by Rev. Lane and sponsored by the Membership Ministry; it is designed to be highly participatory and relationship-building.

Contact Susan Stanbury (Chair of Membership) or Rev. Lane for more information. 

Small-group Ministry 

Monthly

Small-group ministry provides an opportunity for congregants to deepen their spiritual experience and develop strong relationships with a consistent group of other members. Groups begin in the fall and meet monthly. They have used the Unitarian Universalist “Soul Matters Sharing Circle” materials as the guide. 

Contact Rev. Lane for more information.